"Fell in love with these boots that I picked it up in both cognac and black. It fits true to size and initially was a little snug but working on breaking that leather in. The cognac leather coloring shows distress lines more easily like in leather creases and areas that the leather has worn in more with lighter tan coloration in contrast to the rest of the darker leather color but this appears still beautiful and gives a worn-in look. I've noticed not every pair of cognac boots look alike because of this unique distressing so try at the store if you want to pick up the pattern you like best. The black is solid black without the faded leather look which appeared consistent with most of the other boots I saw at the store in that color set so you'll be safe ordering the black online if you want without worry of a strange discoloration. Overall the black will be a more polished looking boot than the cognac which comes off for a more casual boot but both are classy in their own way with the decorative side outer zipper and buckles.
I'm 5'3'' and the boots comes just two inches below my knee and fits close and comfortable around my calf without being too snug or loose."